Reasons for Network Downtime

While customers see network downtime as an unavoidable, if unpleasant, reality, IT professionals and online business administrators know the reality is far more complex. The primary issue end users fail to realize is that there are in fact two kinds of network downtimes: those caused by human action and those caused by non-human events. Beyond that dichotomy lies a nearly limitless list of reasons for network downtime. Today we want to highlight the most common reasons for network downtime.

When is network downtime caused by people’s actions?

The key thing to note when we discuss downtime resulting from human sources is that we don’t mean malicious actions or deliberate hacking. Rather, these types of errors come as a result of well intentioned but poorly executed decisions, or sometimes through a lack of proper diligence and upkeep of the network. Regardless, these types of downtime can be reduced, though never completely erased, through greater vigilance and supervision by a qualified professional, like a Vault Networks Managed IT Services expert.

Other tips on avoiding or minimizing the human error factor:

•   Have up to date documentation.
•   Maintain manuals for all tools and devices.
•   Perform both regularly scheduled and random tests.
•   Employ a qualified IT staff member, either through Vault Networks or as a full-time employee.

What are the types of network downtime caused by other issues?

While up to a quarter of all network downtime is the result of human error, the remaining 75% comes from a variety of other sources. These range from inevitable breakdowns of various parts to more nefarious outside interference.

•   Hardware failure. Every device and system has a limited lifespan, and even the best-estimated lifespan will include the occasional outlier that fails well before anticipated. Some devices do give indications that they are in danger while others fail without any warning. Having a managed backup system is critical.
•   Power failure. This can result from weather conditions, short circuits, and other events that cannot be anticipated or controlled. Similar to hardware failures, power failures are a routine occurrence that should be preemptively addressed with a backup power supply system.
•   Faults in devices. Unlike total failures, faults can occur at any point in a device’s lifetime and can range from minor routing errors to serious flaws and vulnerabilities that need to be assessed and fixed or replaced.
•   Security attacks. As with any system connected to the Internet, there is always a risk of malicious software being used to create chaos or undermine network stability. Proper security measures with regular updates can help ameliorate this risk, although it cannot be eliminated entirely.

Speak with a Vault Networks professional today about the causes of your network’s downtime

Network downtime not only reduces the efficiency of your business, it undermines your credibility and can expose your data to dangerous security risks. That’s why it is vital to address every downtime occurrence and find out its causes, so those causes that can be minimized are dealt with aggressively. To find out more or to start developing your downtime prevention and recovery plans, contact an experienced Vault Networks representative.